Is it possible to get German citizenship living in Germany on the paper but practically living in another state?

Question

Is it possible to get a German citizenship officially living in Germany but practically living and working in another (EU) state? Specifically, is it possible to obtain a German citizenship after getting a Niederlassungserlaubnis and then coming every 6 months back to Germany not to lose it (relevant for non-EU states) and also paying social contributions in Germany?

Answer 1

Hi @LaraKraft

Yes, in my view this is possible. For the law on citizenship the relevant phrase is having to have had your 'habitual residence' (gewöhnlicher Aufenthalt) for a specific period of time before being able to become a citizen. If you are registered as living in Germany (Anmeldung) and are paying into the German social security system, then your place of habitual residence is Germany.

Paragraph 12b, part 1 of the law on citizenship covers the question of time spent outside Germany. It states (via online translation):

'Habitual residence in Germany shall not be interrupted by stays abroad of up to six months'

Best,

Éanna

Comments

So if your "living and working" in another EU state tho your registered residency is in Germany  is ok? Then the tax you pay is for the state where you work right? But still is entitled for German citizen?..